Class 10 Science Notes Chapter 16 (Chapter 16) – Examplar Problems (English) Book

Detailed Notes with MCQs of Chapter 16: Management of Natural Resources. This is a crucial chapter, not just for your exams but also for understanding our responsibility towards the environment. Government exams often test concepts related to environmental science and sustainable development, making this chapter very important.

Chapter 16: Management of Natural Resources - Detailed Notes

1. Introduction: Why Manage Natural Resources?

• Natural Resources: These are the resources available in nature that humans use for survival and development. Examples include air, water, soil, forests, wildlife, coal, petroleum, minerals, etc.
• Need for Management:
  • Earth's resources are limited.
  • Human population is increasing rapidly, leading to increased demand.
  • Unequal distribution and over-exploitation lead to depletion and environmental damage.
  • To ensure sustainable development: meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
  • To maintain ecological balance.

2. Types of Natural Resources:

• Renewable Resources: Resources that can be replenished naturally over a relatively short period (e.g., solar energy, wind energy, water (through the water cycle), forests, wildlife). Note: Even renewable resources can be depleted if overused.
• Non-renewable Resources: Resources that exist in finite quantities and cannot be easily replenished once consumed (e.g., coal, petroleum, natural gas, minerals). Their formation takes millions of years.

3. Forests and Wildlife:

• Importance:
  • Biodiversity Hotspots: Forests harbor a vast variety of plant and animal species.
  • Provide timber, fuel wood, fodder, medicinal plants, resins, gums, etc.
  • Regulate climate, prevent soil erosion, recharge groundwater.
  • Maintain oxygen-carbon dioxide balance.
  • Essential for ecological stability.
• Stakeholders in Forest Management: People who have an interest or concern in the forest resources.
  • Local People: Depend on forests for livelihood (fuel, fodder, timber, non-timber products). Traditionally practice sustainable extraction.
  • Forest Department (Government): Owns the land, controls resources, focuses on timber production and conservation rules.
  • Industrialists: Use forest produce as raw materials (e.g., timber for furniture, tendu leaves for bidis, paper mills). Often focus on single species plantations (monoculture), which harms biodiversity.
  • Wildlife and Nature Enthusiasts: Want to conserve forests in their pristine form, often without human interference.
• Conservation Efforts:
  • Chipko Andolan (Hug the Trees Movement): Originated in Reni village, Garhwal (Uttarakhand) in the early 1970s. Villagers, especially women led by figures like Gaura Devi, Sundarlal Bahuguna, and Chandi Prasad Bhatt, hugged trees to prevent contractors from felling them. Highlighted the importance of community participation.
  • Bishnoi Community (Rajasthan): Known for their reverence for nature and wildlife conservation for centuries. Amrita Devi Bishnoi sacrificed her life along with 363 others in 1731 to protect Khejri trees in Khejarli village near Jodhpur. The Government of India instituted the Amrita Devi Bishnoi National Award for Wildlife Conservation in her memory.
  • Arabari Forest Range (West Bengal): Example of successful community participation (Joint Forest Management - JFM). Forest officer A.K. Banerjee involved local villagers in protecting the degraded Sal forest. Villagers got employment and a share in the harvest in return for protection.
• Deforestation: Clearing of forests. Impacts include soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, climate change, disruption of the water cycle.

4. Water for All:

• Importance: Essential for all life forms, agriculture, industries, domestic use.
• Water Scarcity: Caused by erratic rainfall, over-exploitation, pollution, increasing demand.
• Dams:
  • Advantages: Store large amounts of water for irrigation and electricity generation (hydropower), flood control, supply water to distant areas via canals.
  • Disadvantages:
    • Social Problems: Displacement of large populations (tribals, villagers) without adequate compensation or rehabilitation.
    • Economic Problems: Huge public money investment, often disproportionate benefits compared to costs.
    • Environmental Problems: Deforestation, loss of biodiversity, disturbance to aquatic life migration, potential earthquake triggers, waterlogging and salinity issues downstream.
  • Examples of Protests: Narmada Bachao Andolan (against Sardar Sarovar Dam).
• Water Harvesting: Capturing rainwater where it falls to recharge groundwater and meet local needs. It's a traditional, decentralized method.
  • Advantages: Increases groundwater levels, reduces soil erosion and flooding, provides water locally, prevents seawater intrusion in coastal areas.
  • Traditional Methods (Important for Exams):
    • Khadins and Nadis (Rajasthan)
    • Bandharas and Tals (Maharashtra)
    • Bundhis (Madhya Pradesh & Uttar Pradesh)
    • Ahars and Pynes (Bihar)
    • Kulhs (Himachal Pradesh) - gravity-driven channels for irrigation.
    • Eris (Tanks) (Tamil Nadu)
    • Surangams (Kerala)
    • Kattas (Karnataka)
  • Modern methods include rooftop rainwater harvesting.

5. Coal and Petroleum:

• Formation: Formed from the remains of ancient organisms buried under sediments over millions of years under high pressure and temperature. They are fossil fuels.
• Nature: Non-renewable energy sources. Reserves are finite and depleting rapidly.
• Usage: Major sources of energy for industries, transportation, electricity generation. Petroleum provides petrochemicals for plastics, fertilizers, detergents, synthetic fibers.
• Environmental Concerns:
  • Burning fossil fuels releases oxides of carbon (CO2 - greenhouse gas causing global warming), nitrogen, and sulfur.
  • Sulfur and nitrogen oxides dissolve in rain to form acid rain, which damages buildings, soil, water bodies, and forests.
  • Global Warming: Increased CO2 levels trap heat, leading to climate change.
• Conservation:
  • Use public transport, carpooling, cycling, walking.
  • Switch off engines at traffic lights.
  • Regular vehicle maintenance.
  • Use energy-efficient appliances (e.g., CFLs, LEDs).
  • Explore and utilize alternative energy sources (solar, wind, geothermal, hydro).

6. The 5 R's Principle for Waste Management & Resource Conservation:

• Refuse: Say no to things you don't need (e.g., single-use plastics).
• Reduce: Consume less, minimize wastage (e.g., turn off lights/fans, repair leaky taps).
• Reuse: Use things again and again (e.g., reuse plastic jars, use cloth bags instead of polythene).
• Repurpose: Use a product for a different purpose than its original one (e.g., old tyres as planters).
• Recycle: Process waste materials (plastic, paper, glass, metal) to make new products. Requires energy but saves resources and reduces landfill burden. Note: Recycling should be the last resort among the R's.

7. Sustainable Management:

• Concept: Managing resources in a way that ensures their availability for present and future generations, while minimizing environmental damage.
• Importance: Essential for long-term economic growth, social equity, and environmental protection. Requires a shift from short-term gains to long-term perspective. Involves participation of all stakeholders.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. Which of the following is a major environmental consequence associated with the construction of large dams?
   a) Increased biodiversity downstream
   b) Reduced emission of greenhouse gases
   c) Loss of biodiversity and deforestation
   d) Improvement in soil fertility near the reservoir

2. The 'Chipko Andolan' is primarily associated with the conservation of:
   a) Water resources
   b) Forests
   c) Wildlife (specifically tigers)
   d) Coal and Petroleum

3. Khadins, Bundhis, Ahars, and Kattas are ancient structures that are examples of:
   a) Grain storage methods
   b) Traditional water harvesting systems
   c) Wildlife sanctuaries
   d) Textile weaving techniques

4. Which of the following is NOT one of the stakeholders in forest management?
   a) Local communities living near the forest
   b) The Forest Department of the Government
   c) Industries using forest produce
   d) Companies manufacturing synthetic fertilizers

5. Burning of fossil fuels releases oxides of sulfur and nitrogen which can lead to:
   a) Ozone layer depletion
   b) Acid rain
   c) Eutrophication
   d) Biomagnification

6. The '5 R's' principle aims at resource conservation. Which 'R' suggests using an item for a function other than its original purpose?
   a) Reduce
   b) Reuse
   c) Recycle
   d) Repurpose

7. Amrita Devi Bishnoi is remembered for her sacrifice to protect:
   a) Sal trees in West Bengal
   b) Khejri trees in Rajasthan
   c) Pine trees in Himachal Pradesh
   d) Teak trees in Madhya Pradesh

8. Which of the following is a non-renewable resource?
   a) Solar energy
   b) Wildlife
   c) Natural gas
   d) Forests

9. Sustainable development aims to:
   a) Maximize resource exploitation for rapid economic growth.
   b) Conserve resources only for the use of wildlife enthusiasts.
   c) Meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
   d) Stop all developmental activities to protect the environment completely.

10. Kulhs, a traditional irrigation system using gravity-fed channels, are commonly found in which Indian state?
    a) Rajasthan
    b) Tamil Nadu
    c) Himachal Pradesh
    d) Bihar

Answer Key for MCQs:

1. c) Loss of biodiversity and deforestation
2. b) Forests
3. b) Traditional water harvesting systems
4. d) Companies manufacturing synthetic fertilizers (They are not directly dependent on forest produce in the same way as others)
5. b) Acid rain
6. d) Repurpose
7. b) Khejri trees in Rajasthan
8. c) Natural gas
9. c) Meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
10. c) Himachal Pradesh

Remember to revise these concepts thoroughly. Focus on the examples, conservation efforts, and the environmental impacts discussed. Good luck with your preparation!